Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy, garlicky, and buttery appetizer, these Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Knots are your answer. Made with store-bought pizza dough for convenience, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, and brushed with homemade garlic butter, these knots are irresistible. Serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Uses store-bought pizza dough to cut down on prep time.
- Super Cheesy: Every bite oozes with melted mozzarella.
- Garlic Butter Perfection: A flavorful buttery coating makes these knots extra delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, appetizers, or a side dish for pasta night.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Or roll into a ball and cut into quarters.
Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each piece of dough. Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges tightly to seal. Roll it into a ball and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Optional to put a little marinara sauce on the dough before putting the cheese in.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Step 5: Bake the Knots
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Step 6: Coat with Garlic Butter
Once the knots are out of the oven, immediately brush them with more of the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
- Seal Tightly: Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks.
- Cheese Choices: Use mozzarella sticks for convenience or swap in smoked mozzarella for a deeper flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: Try ranch, pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the knots and freeze them unbaked for an easy appetizer later. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pairing Suggestions
These mozzarella stuffed garlic knots pair well with:
- Pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or fettuccine Alfredo.
- Soups like tomato basil soup or minestrone.
- Salads like Caesar salad or an Italian chopped salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked knots for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen.
FAQ for these Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
It’s best to use mozzarella cubes or sticks, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent it from melting as smoothly.
Yes! You can assemble the knots and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen when ready.
Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to create a strong seal. You can also double-wrap the cheese for extra security.
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Knots
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each piece of dough. Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges tightly to seal. Roll it into a ball and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Once the knots are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
